Raytown vs St. Louis: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Raytown, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raytown, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,661 | $129,269▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.32 | $62.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,055 | $78,832▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,929 | $109,455▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,196 | $161,982▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,224 | $206,349▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 810▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Raytown.
The salary gap between Raytown and St. Louis is $24,608 (23.51%). St. Louis's median is -5.87% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raytown spans $97,169,St. Louis spans $127,517. St. Louis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Louis ($135,947 effective) pays 16.38% more than Raytown ($116,809 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raytown if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,269/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,349)
- ✓Larger job market (810 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,947)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Raytown grew 8.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Raytown, MO
$91,673 (2024) → $99,148 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$98,130 (2019) → $122,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raytown, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Raytown or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raytown and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Raytown to St. Louis as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Raytown vs St. Louis?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov